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IIOMANTIC TALE 



O F 



HIGH AMERICAN LIFE; 



OR, 



EXCUESION TO MONTAUK 



FIRST AND LAST TIME. 



BY NED STRATTON, 

Aiillior of "Young lllioJc-Idriimkr," "Legend of Zono," &c. 



" CoTTift, pome, my T.onl, untie j'oiir n)l(lo(l ilioii!»lU8, 
And let llieia dandle like a hriile'g iuurie liiiit." 



PROVI HENCE: 

JOHN F. MOORE, PRLNTKR, 15 MARKET SQUARE. 

1847. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by 

Ned Stratton, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Rhode-Island. 



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INTRODUCTION 



It was the intention of tlie Author, in the origin of this Tale, to liave 
placed it in a certain Literary journal of the day— it being urged by invi- 
tation from its Editorial department. But after its completFon, ready for the 
press, it was, by consent of its author, placed in the hands of several emi- 
nent individuals, for their perusal of the same ; who in return, expressed by 
letters, their high gratification of the merits and principles by which it ori- 
ginated—urging that it should be placed before the Public in pamphlet 
form, so that all might read, think, understand. 

It illustrates the varied sensations that man oftentimes encounters; the 
garb of fear, the powers of sorrow, and the pangs of affliction— when placed 
under circumstances, such as will arouse the direful feelings within. This 
is no fiction. No, it is an every-day fact— it being far from the power of 
man to control his own fears. Whether it will meet your entire approba- 
tion and propriety of diction, is a question left solely to your impartial and 
rigid decision, by 

THE AUTHOR. 





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HIGH AMERICAN LIFE. 



It was a fine and lovely morning in August— when the 
crescent beams of the morning sun was throwing his profi- 
cient rays upon a people with emotions of the highest cheer- 
fulness,— the western horizon shaded with the tints of the 
eastern sky,— the spissitude of the atmosphere far remote • 
a morning which gladdened the heart, cheered the counten- 
ance with a smiling appearance— and a day which bid fair 
for those hours of curiosity and delight, when mankind of- 
tentimes roams and retires for health, comfort and pleasure 
during the summer months, at the several places of fashiona' 
Die resort. 

It was on this morning, when the breath of joy draws no- 
thing but music from its strings— when magic charms an- 
swers in sweetness each breeze that sings the beautiful vis- 
ions from the fine-toned heart of the graceful form and ver- 
nal check ; such, I mean, as arc so often recognized on a 
morning in the month of August. 

Mid arrangements which had been formed for a tour to 
Montauk, on the previous day, by my companion, Dick Snub- 
son, and myself, we, with noihiui? but a dij)ping sail-boat of 
eighteen feet keel, styled the " Rougli and Ready,'' and in 
fact well named, for she was "rough," but always "ready " 
^^e departed, with our geering and equipments, under full 
sail, passing boat after boat, laden witii the smiles of wo- 
man's blush, and the forms of the mild and brave— destined 
to the resort and enjoyment of a fashionable house : all seem- 
ing to be enjoying the rare comforts of life, with ears atten- 
lively bent to the sweet sounds of the violin and the beat of 
the tamborine. 

We passed the entire fleet, mid applause, as we glided 
down the river's stream. After we had passed its mouth, 



8 

thence crossing the bay with a delightful breeze, we soon 
neared a small skiff (so called,) which we took in tow, caus- 
ing but slight trouble in so doing. 

Soon we neared the pleasant and delightful port of Ston- 
ington, stocked with its whalemen and steamers — added with 
its surrounding scenery and landscape — where the observer, 
as he gazed "up Sound " with a pensive eye, could behold 
the wave of the flag in the morning wind, from that sump- 
tuous and fashionable house of summer resort, reared on 
Bradford's Island;, where thousands visit, by wind and by 
steamj 

" To charm the languid hours of solitude." 

Where, upon the left hand, you could behold, as you glanced 
your eager eye upon the eastern sky, the sparkling Bay, the 
arched beach, and the surrounding scenery of the place of 
pleasure, styled "Watch-Hill House." 

Time soon glided us through the reef in safety, — where 
the sea-bird skimmed the waters, the fishing smack gently 
glides along. Yonder the lumberman — the rake of the cut- 
ter—the fine moulded clipper — the heavy and majestic " lin- 
er," laden with the many riches of the world ; all progres- 
sing, whitened with canvass, as with an air of defiance. It 
was a grand and sublime spectacle — added from time to time 
with the roar and heave of the cannon's sound, o'er the wa- 
ters, from yonder distant bark, that was nearing its port that 
we had just passed (Stonington,) returning with the whale 
as their captive. Quickly we skimmed the exulting waters, 
with no veering or change of compass, but rapidly bending 
for Montauk. No wrathful cloud was o'er us, like the impel- 
ling tempest, brooding its darkness ujion us. No discomfit- 
ure surrounded us with its benighted sorrow — but all was 
radiant, all was lovely. 

Now as it regards my companion, Dick Snubson, he was 
a "rare genius " — full of affection and friendship — loved ev- 
ery body, and every body seemed to love him ; yet his match 
I have never seen. Notwithstanding, he was possessed of a 
powerful, yet humorous understanding — always vigilant and 
penetrating ; his memory large ; high intellect, and his rea- 
soning great. He had not that impetuosity, hurry, or vehe- 
mence ; but there was something in his looks that oftentimes 
deceived man. When you viewed him in his daily attire — 



in the duties of his profession, — yon were led instantly to 
sentence him as a ^^ queer andiiidependenV^ fellow — one that 
did not follow the fancy of fashion, but rather the enjoy- 
ments and comforts of hfe. And well you might. 

His attire during the summer months, being of one shade, 
generally blue, attracted by its magie wand the attention of 
many persons, at home and abroad. The extraordinary cut 
of his pants; the long extended run of his coat, or in other 
words, his sack ; and also of his waistcoat — not like those of 
'76, long and venerable — but very short, so that the display 
of his shirt and braces could easily be perceived with pre- 
cision. His eyes being somewhat as grammarians style it, 
" bughorti,^^ still added the form of oddity to his person. — 
But Dick possessed talents, and he was endowed with pow- 
ers also. When you addressed him in person, his narrow- 
contracted hat was instantly raised, and he could draw a 
countenance which seemed firm as the hills themseh^as; for 
politeness guided him in all of his ways, and he stooa com- 
petent to exercise that power when placed in the several de- 
partments of society. AVhether in the barn or in the grana- 
ry, in the kitchin or in the parlor, in the steamer or in the 
ship, in the coach or in the car, the favorite path of etiquette 
never fled from him ; and he was competent, yea, had often- 
times graced the circle and the hall, with an air of perfec- 
tion, so easy, so sedate ; if at the same time his appearance, 
while in a dance, excited laughter to the natural eye of the 
observer. But to return. 

After we had arrived in full view of Montank ; so near as 
to view clearly its accurate position and elevation by the na- 
tural eye ; after sailing for the second time up and down a 
certain portion of the island, enjoying the pleasures thereof; 
Dick quickly motioned that we should explore its shore, and 
there repose for a short period ; that we could enter with 
safety, run in a few rods from the shore, anchor, and then 
take the skiff. But a dark mist met me, for I disliked the 
situation of its entry ; yea, I disliked the thought of roaming 
upon its shores, and thence amid its scattered people, as cir- 
cumstances of a previous nature directed me far from 30 con- 
templating. Still my sentiments availed nothing; no more 
than a fly upon a miU-wheel, or a drop in the ocean. For 
actions quickly convinced me that Dick was in no way to 
be daunted. Says he, " I have a great desire to see its shore." 
Yet I remonstrated ; reiterated my reasons. Still all seemed 



10 

to be in vain. So he replied that he would take the skiff 
and row ashore, and if I wished to sail, thus and so, well 1 
miffht He was bound ashore ; take a retrospect, and then 
reinrn ; as he could accomplish it with ease m twenty min- 
utes. We parted ; and at the expiration of the time, he had 
not more than reached the shore— double the time he had 

anticipated. . . 

Eacrerly I watched him, as he was sojourning, as I con- 
tinned to sail in an opposite direction, with a mild and gentle 
breeze, enjoying the time to myself, in hauling in the fruits 
of my labor, and watching the proud and stately ship which 
has passed me (as you will observe in plate,) with sails un- 
furled to the wind ; she,* decorated with the flag of a free 
nation, proudly advancing to her home ; while buoyant spir- 
its swelled the deck. Encouragement whispered around 
them for their happy destination, while hope, bright hope, 
came rushincr o'er the fairest flower that twined around the 
brow If mairy afair and gentle foim in -'yonder fort;' as 
she looked upon her stately structure, advancing nearer and 
nearer with her golden harvests— lingering anxiously to 
snatch the hand of her most beloved. 1 waited calmly and 
deliberately for the return of Dick. Time fled. I was told 
with accuracy by my watch, that one hour had passed since 
the departure, which justice bade me to regard as a vvild pro- 
ject, based upon impure pnnci})les. Mid-day had passed, 
long ago. Still I lingered for his return, it being due time 
for °ou? departure to our respective homes. Under the rays 
of a sultry sun, I had poured out the train of perspiration.— 
Sweat, sweat, as though laboring under the scorching rays of 

an African sun. , ^ j *u 

I looked around upon the waveless sea— contemplated the 
many wonders of the Ruler of the Universe ; His grandeur 
on earth, sea and sky ; the sparkling waters— the magnifi- 
cence of ihe earth. I cast my eyes upon the distant works 
of art; the same majestic ship that was entering the small 
port of Stonington, yet where commerce had launched ma- 
ny and many a bark to ride the waves of every sea; where 
agriculture sowed and reaped the golden harvest that waves 
in homage to him who cultivates the soil ; around where man 
beholds active industry— hope, wealth, and abidmg faith. — 
But I cast my eyes again and again, for a tireless time, but 
ineffectually, of no use. It was time for the return of Snub- 
son What impediment had encountered him, was more than 



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13 

I could predict. Still I was blessed with one consolation^ 
and that was, he never paid devotion to the J//o-. 

Where are yon, Dick ? Why dost thou not return ? Have 

I ofiended thee in time past, and is this my rational due ? 

Behold my condition — my sufl'ocation. Wilt thou not re- 
turn ? But the echo of its answer I sought in vain. More 
than two hours had now rolled away with the billowy tide 
of time. The sun was gradually descending. Wind died 
away ; presently head tide met me ; and with all my canvass, 
I was now too late. Obstructions and impediments sur- 
rounded me. 

I had passed the fatal strand, for wind and tide drove far 
from my position. I had in a short time passed far east of 
the light. Block Island was in my face. Montauk at my 
back — the boundless sea at the south — and Watch Point and 
its shows at the north. Still with pensive eye, I longed for 
Dick. I headed and headed for Montauk, beating and gain- 
ing ground slowly, yet, as I cast my eyes to the north and 
west it seemed to me a long and trying sail to overcome. 

My patience had neaily exiiausted — to return home (pro- 
vided I could reach there,) leaving skiff and Dick, Avould 
never do. Notwithstanding all this, I was far east of Mon- 
tauk, as wind and tide had a predominant power over me. — 
But alas! as I cast my eyes around me, what should I behold 
but in the southern horrizon, fog — banks of fog pouring in 
with rapidity. I was then led to believe that ^'^ man icas 
made to mourn,'^ that success meets man upon one hand, 
while affliction meets him upon the other. For lo ! the ele- 
m ent of fog had been let loose to run its rejoicing race. I 
sought for hope, even at her threshold, but she had lied. — 
Slowly and sadly I was advancing with a determination to 
reach a north shore if possible ; but as I arose from my seat, 
and turned to look back upon Block-Island, that land of New 
Shoreham, vain did I look. It was not to be seen-. The 
train of fog, the mistress of the day had spread her veil. 

I returned, but misguided ambition seized me. The land 
that I had watched from time to time so attentively, Mon- 
tauk, could not be discovered. Long-Island Sound — Brad- 
ford's Island — Mystic, Stonington and the western lands, 
where were they. No one could tell, — they were enclosed, 
for the element of fog had been let loose to run its rejoicing 
race. It completely surrounded me. My boa^ — nothing else 
could I behold. No compass to make the Avay clear as a 



14 

grareled lawn — no chart — no nothing. Time fled — but not 
a solitary voice could be heard. I was benumbed with tendei 
tears — with trials and tribulations. Earth began to look 
dark. Joy's blush had ceased — power was fast departing, 
and sorrow's tints o'er me were spread. 

" Oh that mine head were waters, and mine eyes 
Were fountains like the liquid sky," 

For plans and propositions ran low — ejaculations seemed 
utterly in vain — the time had elapsed — evidence, not of a 
weakly nature, but implicit confidence seemed to conquer my 
thoughts, to survey the future and recall the past. The per- 
ception of my condition, I will not stop to profess; but all I 
would demand is, that I might behold the man who, when 
placed in such a predicament, just in the bloom of youth, 
would not ejaculate and cry aloud for that help — for that as- 
sistance in time of need. Show me the man who could pos- 
sess undaunted courage, invincible an)bition during such a 
scene ; if so, I will show you a man whose heart is stone — 
whom neither death or danger can terrify. 

The hum of busy life were around me. The emotions of 
the heart — the vast feelings and sensations or man — thoughts 
that breathe, words that burn — and powers of every combina- 
tion flowed in my mind, so that I might be enabled to return 
good and constant courage — to animate my thoughts and dire 
imaginations — to enliven and touch those cords, that I might 
soothe and subdue the afflicted passions within — I was con- 
strained to extol. 

Give me once more the land ; the green earth covered 
with flowers ; once more place me upon old Rhode Island's 
shores, where I could defy the waves, as I have viewed the 
mighty and boundless sea when the storm is upon it ; to the 
huge and craggy mountain when the thunders and lightnings 
play over it. Let me but be enthronged this moment, amid 
the circle that I have so often surrounded — the beauty of in- 
nocence ; the bold intellect of man ; the gentle graces of ma- 
tron virtue, and by the dignity of age. 

Let me be enthronged this moment — behold once more 
the smiles of yonder fair maiden, who as I view 

" With head upraised, and looks intent, 
An ear and eye attentive bent, 



And locks flung back and lips apart 
Like monuvients of Grecian art," 

Whose form is like the aspen — her cheeks touched with tha 
morning blush — her teeth like pearl — eyes like stars, such 
as man dare never to deny. Methinks cried I, with a mouth 
full of fog, I can almost impress those sonorous and energetic 
tones, as she lulls and sings those beautiful visions from the 
fine toned heart — so sonorous ; so energetic. But this soon 
passed, with countless projects which flashed across my brow, 
which no pencil can deliniate — no tongue describe. Imag- 
inations may pass and pass like the waves of the sea, but its 
equinamity no one cati conceive : for who, I would ask, 
whether upon the land or upon the water ; within the 
court ; mid saloons sprinkled with dew scented drops ; or 
whetlier in the court or city can control their fears. It is far 
from the control of man to govern his own fears. 

Could I but had Snubson by the neck, I would have 
"snub"-edand called him to an account, which he would 
long have remembered: but all this boasted ambition was as 
vain and nugatory — all magic powers were the same also.— 
He was not there to reprimand. My next demand was that 
I might become acquainted with my condition ; — my des- 
tiny — my destiny could I but know it ; — imagination led me 
to believe that I had passed far east of Block Island — next 
constrained to believe that I was fast departing out to sea, as 
I could not judge of my condition, being surrounded by a 
heavy mass of fog; no sun — no moon — no stars — no light 
whatever to make the way passable. Calamity I feared 
would befall me — perhaps instantly I should strike upon yon- 
der reef, amid frowning rocks — danger — peril — death. I 
strove to sing, whistle, but nay. I grasped the tin bailer, 
striving to beat the tamborine for amusement; but alas! 
amusement was not to be sought there. I was depressed iu 
spirit, and well did I exclaim like Cicero, 

O dei immortales ubin ame gentium sum is in qua arbe, 
Vivimus ? Q,uam republican haben. 

" Immortal Gods ! What country do we inhabit ? What 
city do we belong to? what republic do we live under?" 

I arose from my scat, threw off my cap, raised the hair 



16 

from off my brow, placed my hands upon my waistcoat, giv- 
ing it a peculier jerk, thinking that I was about to address 
an audience of thousands. This somewhat animated dull 
sorrow and drowned tlie garb of fear for a short time. I ex- 
tended my hands and so began. 

" Wlien public bodies are to be addressed on momentous 
occasions like this, when great interests are at stake, and 
strong passions excited." Here I was checked, for my mind 
was on many topics. Bat I'll ask you another question. — 
" How ot\en must it be told to you that change is not reform. 
It is vain to deny it. 

The lour hundred men who went out to David were in. 
debt ; the partisans of Ceasar were in debt ; the fellow-labor- 
ers of Cataline were in debt, and I defy you to show me a 
desperately indebted people any where, who can bear a regu- 
lar sober government. I throw the challenge to all who fear 
me, and down I went cnrslop into the bottom of the boat, 
caused by the roll of a heavy sea, still I continued to ad- 
vance as I arose. I say sir, that the character of the good 
old Virginia planter, the man who owned from five to twenty 
slaves, or less, who lived by hard labor, and who paid his 
debts, has passed away. A new order of things has come, by 
living by our wits, contracting debts that one cannot begin 
to pay, and above all, by living by office hunting : for what 
do we see. Bankrupts — branded bankrupts, giving great 
dinners, sending their children to the most expensive schools, 
giving great parties, and just as well received in society as 
any body else. 1 say, [speaking in a loud voice) the old 
Constitution was too good for them — they could not bear it. 
I, for myself, have no fear from it. But sir, if we are to 
have it, let us not have it with its death warrant in its face, 
with the sardonic grin of death upon its countenance." Here 
I was instantly aroused. As I cast my eyes upon the water 
around me, what should 1 behold but the '■^ sardonic grin'^ 
around me — A sword-fish, about eight feet in length, rising 
and sinking upon the water, with his avenger, that horrible 
sword. Where then was hope ? gone — gone like Saul and 
Jonathan of old. Words seem to say that his intention was 
to pierce my boat with his mighty sword. Then the quiver 
of adversity touched my heart. I addressed him in tears, 
imploring him to be merciful — to have pity and compassion- 
ate mercy on mankind — love and regard humanity — retire 
''••om my presence, and if so, in a short tmie I would save 



17 

him the trouble of tasting the sweet? of revenge. Still !;« 
lingered, and moved not ! \Yell did I exclaim, 

" Oh grief! tlion art classed among the depressing passions." 

Yes, as I wiped my rainy brow, "O tempora, O mores." 
Oh the times — Oh the customs. 1 instantly snatched from my 
basket a large and handsome black-fish that I had cau"-ht 
previons to Snnbson's " debnt," and quickly tossed it to my 
adherer, ejaculating, " For thy three thousand ducats, hero 
are six." Still this availed nothing ; and by this time I was 
nearly exhauscd. The distant roar of thunder was easily 
heard from the clouds of the west, and the vivid streams of 
lightning was frequent. Having trusted in Divine Provi- 
dence in my previous career, before the announcement of my 
opponent, 1 was led to contemplate the sayings of a fine old 
woman, when the old horse and waggon ran away with her 
down hill on a certain occasion, she remarked thai she felt 
perfectly safe, for she trusted in Divine Providence; but, 
said she, when the breecliing broke, then I quickly thought it 
was time for me to look out for myself, rather than trust in 
Divine Providence." So did I. When this monster con- 
tinued to rise and fall around me like a perpendicular steam 
engine, what feelings did beat within. Even this single sen- 
sation was enough to dissolve human nature. T sobbed — I 
cried — I wept for I was so led. Notwithstanding there was 
something whose echo seemed to say, " Why do you weep — 
why do you weep." I was constrained to extol — " I have 
seen a man in the pride of his strength ; his cheeks glowed 
with beauty ; his limbs were full of activity ; ho leaped; he 
walked ; he ran ; he rejoiced that he was more excellent 
than those ; 1 returned — his life was departed from him ; 
therefore do I weep because death is in the Avorld — the 
"spozVer" is among the works of God, — all that is made 
must be destroyed ; all that is born must die ; but methought 
I would strive to frighten him, like unto Charles the twelfth, 
who sent home to Sweedcn, one of his old boots, to frighten 
his refractory subjects into obedience. I turned round, and 
away dashed three stone bottles which liad been filled with 
small beer, and then proceeded, 

*• Shylock — the worid tliink?, am! I llunk so too — 



18 

That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice 
To the last hour of act :" 

SO be merciful — here's thrice thy money offered thee — be 
merciful. " Now sir, I warn you — I warn you sir, not dare to 
lay your hands upon the constitution. I defy you, and I 
make the assertion deliberately. You have not been sent 
here for that purpose : No sir, no sir" — and away he went. 
Methought well of the old adage, 

For though the Poet's born — not made 
The orator may learn learn his trade." 

A moment passed, another also — when the same combina- 
tions of feeling had returned, mid bitter tears and agonizing 
sighs. Where is Dick Snubson ? Dick Snubson, where are 
you ? Answer ! That same old tune was with me, and every, 
every object crowded upon my mind. Off went my hat for 
the second time, raising the hair from off my brow, and com- 
menced in a new and expansive field for labor ; and when 
amid the enraptured strains that I had to pass through ; the 
swing and sway of my arms, and the beart-bursting thunders 
of my voice, I was led to listen. A sound came roaring o'er 
my raptured ear, which reminded me at once, like that of a 
distant steamer, who was wandering through the fog, as the 
sound thereof imitated her wheels when under very slow 
motion, [pad, pad, pad — curslop, curslop, (fcc.,] which did not 
excite me to more than an ordinary pitch, relying, that if one 
of the " Sound boats," she would pass far north of me ; so 
I continued to '' explaterate" to the fish of the sea, as 1 had 
previous to the interruption. But after the elapse of a few 
minutes, I perceived that the sound became more and more 
distinct, causing alarm, more so than at any previous time 
mentioned. 

I ejaculated in a strong and passionate voice, " hcUn hai-d 
doiDn" again ^'^ helm hard down,'^ when to my surprise, what 
should I behold, but an armed legion as you may say, rising 
of one hundred large Porpoises, all nearly in a straight line, 
" single file,^' bearing down for me, under a full head of 
steam [pad pad pad, curslop curslop curslop, pad pad, &,c.,] 
1 soon found my mistake, but after all, they resembled in 
practice, a steamer, for as quick as they had passed me they 
halted, prepared themselves in nearly a parallel line, as a 



10 

steamboat would when slie had arrived at the corner of her 
dock. I must confess, what was to be done now was more 
than I could imagine at this juncture. In fact nothing could 
be done. Here was a field which would admit the combined 
powers of logic, and all the "captivating arts" of rhetoric. 
Here was a period of prevailing importance ; a dismal time. 
They seemed to come with that commission. 

We come as a band of one spirit. We are mighty. We 
are the rulers and commanders of the waters — the fish of the 
sea bow to us — the fiery serpent dare not give revenge. Our 
virtue is vengeance — our dress is black, but our dish is Jlesh. 

After they had settled in a few feet from me they halted, 
and was silent. So was I. I hesitated — concealed my per- 
son below the rail of my boat, and for a length of time they 
remained as at their arrival. I easily perceived that I was 
somewhat to the westward of them, or some other point, yet 
they seemed to advance at diff'erent intervals, in a propor- 
tional rate. Whether, says I to myself, they are the "coun- 
cils of war," devising plans for the future, was more than I 
could appreciate or predict. Still, their old commander I 
perceived, was eager for a battle ; for by this time a separa- 
tion had been ordered. Here upon the right and upon the 
left were stationed companies, and here in front of me, (as 
you will observe in the plate,) was stationed a mighty enemy, 
playhig around me, as close as they deemed proper. 

Their commander seemed to say — (for he was here one 
moment and far distant the next,) I shall expect Captain, 
that you, with your ^^ mounted regiment,^^ will make an at- 
tack upon his " leftjlank,''^ and Colonel, with his ^' dragoons^* 
will cause a charge to be made in the " rcar,^^ and General, 
with his "grand division fully armed and equipped,'^ will 
'•charge" him in an opposite direction, and at such a min- 
ute the storm shall commence, and all shall " slap and dash" 
at the same time. By and through their movements, I had 
not the least scruple of ambition ; nay, in fact of any thing 
else ; for it was evident to me that if they choose to drown me, 
it could be done by and through the dashing of water, which 
would have soon filled my boat. I then said to myself, just 
as the slight introduction of a cramp seized me in the calf of 
my leg, — " He that is slow to anger, is better than the 
mighty.'' I instantly arose — appeared before them, mid ut- 
ter darkness — mid hopes and fears — ^joy and sorrow, and 



20 

folding my arms, became silent. The hours of niglit were 
rapidly flying, but ai this juncture something must be done. 

" Blow me about ye winds, whip me ye devils 
From tiie possession of this glorious sight, — 
Roast me in sulphor — wash me in steep-down 
Gulfs of liquid fire— Desdemona — Desdemona." 

Of all the iaiaginations that man \vas ever gifted with — of 
all the places, and of all names — this '■^ grand division " re- 
ceived. For in such an instance, the broad track of power 
must seek some motive that will prove beneficial — animate 
those chords of distress, drown dull sorrow, and soothe those 
afflicted passions within. To do this, and to carry out my 
design, 1 imagined them as human beings. I commenced 
addressing them as a California Company ; addressed them 
as an Iowa Legislature, as a Laiv and Order parti/ ; the " Be- 
nevolent Party," taking one dollar out of one pocket, and 
putting it in the other; addressed them as the triumphs of 
Democracy; a crowded assembly; a Baltimore Convention; 
friends and lovers of Temperance ; Gentlemen of the Jury; 
may it please your Honor ; American Tract Society; non- 
Bupporters of the tariff ; Abolitionists, seeking for their just 
rights ; office-seekers bound to Washington ; flour specula- 
tors ; Committee of Magnetic Telegraphs; bearers of Des- 
patches; Ne-plusultra Friction Match Company ; Shoe and 
Leather dealers ; and in fact, every thing of name and na- 
ture, belonging to all parties as a race of m.ankind, assem- 
bled to hear the " Orator" of the evening touch upon the 
national question of our Republic, and of the '^ area" of 
freedom. Highly honored, indeed. 

I saw that my fears were tralimate, yet not impressed so 
deep to heart as at their arrival. Still, laboring as I was, 
under intense anxiety, with a light and favorable wind, but 
a monstrous thick fog, I came to the conclusion very readily 
that I might as well strive to retain constant courage — fol- 
low the beaten path of reason — while placed under circum- 
stances of the present nature. 1 commenced in a strong and 
active voice : 

Mr. Chairman., Friends, and Fellow- Citizens : 

I rise, sir, with the ''greatest reluctance." Called upon 
" unexpectedly " to address you upon this important ques- 




,i ? 








23 

tion, now before this augiisihody, I feel constrained to con- 
fess my utter inability, as my heart bounds to my lips, in be- 
coming terms to express my feelings. 

But, sir, this is a great and growing country — wide, vast, 
and in the south-west " unlimited." Our Republic is yet 
destined to re-annex all South America, to occupy the Rus- 
sian Possessions, and again to recover those British Provin- 
ces, which the power of the old Thirteen Colonies won from 
the French on the plains of Abraham — all rightfully ours to 
re-occupy. Ours is a great and growing country; Faneuil 
Hall was its cradle. And, fellow-laborers, officers, and fel- 
low-soldiers, America has grown out the gristle of boyhood. 
England ! Europe ! where is she ? She is nov/here ! — noth- 
ing at all ! Not a mere cipher ! We've got faster steam- 
boats, faster locomotives, larger creeks, bigger plantations, 
better mill-privileges, broader lakes, higher mountains, deep- 
er cataracts, louder thunder, forkeder lightning, braver men, 
handsomer women, and more money, than England dare 
have. (Rounds of applause — curslop, pad, pad, curslop.) 

And here, at this very moment, I felt something give way 
within, which blessed me with the privilege of laughing 
right out, and cheering my audience whh great acclamation. 
But to those who came and played round my boat, heaving 
water like a mill-wheel, I instantly addressed as opposers : — 
Smother thou thy wrath for a short time ; and as for you, Mr. 
Shark, who is striving to taste the sweets of revenge — you 
may growl like the hungry hyenna, you may bellow like the 
hunted buffalo, and if you choose, you may roar like the 
lanced lion — still to your impoliteness I would say, Sir, you 
are defunct in the abstract. 

Malum ille qui malum cogitet. 

By this time, it w^as my desire and wishful hope, that they 
would have departed, and retired from me. But as long as 
they remained otherwise, I was constrained to say something 
that would enliven my direful feelmgs. 

"Heard yc those loud contending waves, 
That shook Cecropia's pillard state ? 
Saw ye the mighty from their graves 
Look up and tremble at her fate ? 
Who shall calm the angry storm ? 
Who the mighty task perform ? 



24 

And bid the rag-in;T tumult cease, 
Hush the noise, and soothe to peace." 

Rouse, ye porpoises! Rouse, ye mighty ! '• Banish from 
Rome ! What's banish, but set free ?" " If you have tears, 
prepare to shed them now." " We are two millions — one- 
iifth fighting men. We are bold and vigorous, and we call 
no man master." " This, sir, is no time for ceremony. The 
question before us is one of awful moment to this country." 
" And may it please the Court, I have had but a few minutes 
to consider of this aftair ; and it appears to me quite difRcuU 
to determine upon. The criminals have both incurred the 
penalty of law." " Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with 
a kiss." 

" Stand the ground you o\vn, my braves." 

But remember, 

"I am monarcli of all I survey, 
My riglit there is none to dispute ; 
From the centre all round to the sea, 
I am lord of ihejotd and the brute." 

When Darius offered Alexander ten thousand talents to 
divide Asia equally with him : when Napoleon, in one of his 
richest battles, said, as he descended from his eminence where 
he had stood to command his army, " that this is one of the 
richest and most greatest battles that he had ever witnessed," 
and there, upon the crimsoned sod, it is said, lay the slain of 
sixty thousand : when the immortal Hannibal was successful 
in his long and trying march from New Carthage to the 
Rhone — successful in ascending the Alps, whose snow-cov- 
ered tops seemed to touch the clap-clouds of the sky — the 
plains of Italy was his ; the walls ot Rome shook, and 
her citadels trembled at his name : when Benedict Arnold 
received his pay for treason — the man whom ''stout" Ethan 

Allen followed Bui what of all this 7 " England may 

as well dam up the waters of the Nile with bulrushes, as to 
fetter the locks of freedom." Where was the wealth of Soc- 
rates, Fabricius, of. Plato and of Cincinnatus, I say? " We 
are two millions — one-fifth fighting men." I say to you, 
Arouse, and be merciful. Cesar was merciful ; Hannibal was 
patient, and Scinio was continent. Tell your invaders this, 
and tell them that 1 seek no change. We are endowed witii 



25 

exemplifications, qualifications, marriagstrations, legislations 
and exenigations. Tell your brave commander that if Ce- 
sar, in his Gallic wars took eighteen hundred cities by as- 
sanlt, and slew a million of men — if Charles the 'i'welfth 
sent home to Sweeden one of his old boots, to fri-liten his 
refractory snhjects into obedience — and if Saul or Sam) son 
slew thonsands with a j;uv-bone — tell ihem, sir, I dare 'em 
to give t!ie blow. I defy them. 

There was a time, sir, when the greatness of the Roman 
Senate was highly bribed. Yes, Rhode-Island has had her 
grievances. Lightning once bursted upon her nttit 0/ blood. 
Jn|)itcr poured forth the ile of his mighty wrath ; and thun- 
der broke loose and s ipped its cable, in striving to '-smonse" 
the citadel of the aggressor, and tlie prayer of her people 
has been, that the sun that lit King Ddvid and his miglity 
hosts across the "big" Atlaniic, may aKays "look down" 
and drop a tear of tribute to its memory. Shall we slumber 
on our arms, and refuse the bread because it is not buttered ? 
No, sir. "Sufficient for the day is tlie evil thereof" Let 
us be bold, strong, energetic and active. "They tell ns. sir, 
that we are weak ; but I ask, when shall we be stronger? — 
Will it be the next gale that sweeps from Bunker Hill, Lex- 
ington, Concord and Trenton?" Why, "to the puie, all 
things are pure ;" even so to the plain, all things are plain. — 
Yonder port of Stonington was once stormed by shells, but 
her hardy sons fought, and gave the enemy in return grope, 
down by the Old Light House. Sons of New-London and 
Groton fought like men — curbing the baneful warlike fires; 
driving the spoilers from their fire-side, striving to redeem 
her fair fields from foreign invasion. Tell your commander 
that " Athens was a Democracy when Socrates drank the 
liemlock." Tell them that Rhode-Island, old Rhode-Island, 
has had no historian — but she 's got one noiu, which will 
give place to " mighty steam," and widen the "track for the 
geins of pride." In that glorious struggle for the Equal 
Rights of man, she was first, sir, in the field ; and of the 
fir>^t American fleet that glided on the waters, she furnished 
two of the four ships ; and she found " the first and only Ad- 
miral." "And we need not say how the gallant Perry and 
his brave Newport followers sustained on Lake Erie the hon- 
or of that struixgle which their fathers had so \VeII begun." 
Yes, sir, Rhode-Island has proved herself worthy, by her 
honored deeds: she renounced her allegiance, sir, long time, 
before Independence. 4 



26 

Tjiit to the Jury I have a few words to say ■ 

"Yc monsters of the bubbling deep, 
Your Maker's praises spout ; 
Up from your sands, ye codlings peep. 
And wag your tails about." 

Vermont, sir, may hoast of her Green Mountains ; New Hamp- 
shire may speak of her Granite ; Rhode-Island may sigh for 
her "^n'era?«ces;" Connecticut may embalm her ^^ iconclcm 
nutmegs f^ but the sons of New Orleans — sons of a State 
that oftentimes boasts of her " Muscuvado Molasses, as sweet 
as the last whisperings of a spring morning " — "sons of tlie 
South, that ushers forth to the world the sublime richness of 
her salmon, whose glassy sides are streaked with liquid lines 
of floating gold — will, I say, ere long, drink wine from the 
goblet in the Halls of the Montezumas." "The war is ac- 
tually begun : it is in vain to extenuate the matter." Just 
so impartial as when Louis XIV. issued his edict for the abo- 
lition of the practice of duelling. But ah ! sir, our Fathers 
in the august assemblage of '76, prayed fervently for that 
structure, that mommient for a future generation, where the 
principles of Free Govennncnt could be bedded munovable 
asits mountanis, firm as the hills themselves in the morning 
of triumjih, in the darkness of adversity. I repeat it, sir, let 
it come. " Romans, countrymen and lovers," listen to what 
I say. " Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, peace, peace — 
but there's no peace ; the war out South has actually begun. 
Jist as the great and immortal Gincral Jackson said — ^jist 
afore he was going to fight the Injuns — Shall we gain a rev- 
olution by reaction? Shall we grow " /o??o-cr" by laying 
supremely on our backs, and hugging the delusive ^^lauiern"" 
of hope, till the enemy come down upon us, hoss and foot? 
I don't know what other gentlem.cn may say, but as for me, 
give me a little breath. 

Here I sat down, completely exhausted; and in a short 
time the " enemy " retreated, and happy was I, that no more 
should I hear the dashing sound from the camp of these 'war 
oj)posers, who had placed themselves upon the field of action. 

Time had fled vastly. Confused thoughts and dire imagi- 
nations continued to ri^e and invade my mind while contem- 
plating and meditating upon the ])ast, and of my future zeal 
for encouraging and sustaining my sensations. But alas! 



affcr tlic (!la|)sc of a lew miiiulos, the same impeiielraljle ("ii- 
due was berure me, and I feared lliat my Inline /.eal lur en- 
couraging those passions, was not. yet unsealed ; so a Jong 
train of sorrow was placed o'er my brow. I wc^t, because 
1 feared danger. I trembled like the aspen, for I Avas jier- 
jilexed and daunted by diliiculty ; mind was in darkness, for 
this moment was mine, tlie next was in the bosom of futu- 
rity. I was warring with the wind and tide, in a dipping 
sail-boat, upon the world's great ocean. I had come from 
my own native soil — retreated from the shores of old Rhode- 
Island — and down its gentle stream, S7n(ljsoii and myself 
had forded the waves on a "shapeless plank." AVhcther I 
should ever return from whence I departed, was more than 
mortal mind could appreciate. All the gayest notes of life 
were fast flying from me. I shuddered even at the thought 
of ^' ijo/idcr Rfcf,'' in danger's foremost place, which seemed 
that neither '• distance or time would sever," and away I was 
snatched by the folds of slumber. How long a duration 1 
remained so, was more than I could determine ; but as I rose 
from my slumber, the first words I uttered, were in a loud 
and impressive voice : 

' Maid of Athene, ere we part, 
Give, O give me back my Iieart I 
Hear my vow before I go — 
Zoc inon sas aga po." 

Here I quickly arose, finding, or in other words, beholding 
my condition, that I had been laboring under ; and thou 
laughing to myself, uttered in a strong voice, — hoping to hear 
in return the voice of some human being, either upon the 
land or upon tlie water, — '• Sink or swim, live or die, survive 
or perish — independence now, independence for ever." 

Not three minutes passed away with the current of time, 
before there came rushing o"cr the waters the sound of some 
one"s voice, and the ra[)id slaj) of an oar in the water, on 
board of some shallop. I instantly ejaculated in a strong 
voice. Hallo! and its answer was soon remanded. Circum- 
stances convinced mc that it must be Dick, wandering back, 
and striving to find my position. But as I had compassion- 
ate feelings of my own in a light degreee, [ here hesitated in 
saying any more, hoi)ing that if he hailed nie a second time, 
I couFd be enabled to recognise his voice ; if so, to make no 



28 

answer whatever, but to admit him of a chance to address ei 
"dignified assembly " in a narrow-contracted skiff. Still no 
voice was ushered — no noise, save the sound ol the clap of 
an oar. Notwithstanding, I conjectured that since wind and 
tide had abated, I was not far from some ]^oint of land, as a 
faint glimmer of light was easily seen ui)on the water. I 
contiiuied in its ray, anxiously gazing for the moon, which 
I was certain would rise between the hours of eleven and 
twelve, with the expectation that ilie fog would then rise 
and become remote. Not mare than twenty minutes had 
expired after this time, before there came the sound of some 
" gone-by " violm. 1 ejaculated, Are you oiear any land^ 
genllemtn 7 No answer, save a hearty laugh from near a 
dozen people ; and the first and last laugh 1 took to be from 
the cook, wlio by his voice proved to be a "gentleman of 
color," playing on a violin, and all that came from it was a 
continual " see saw, see-saw " — turning no tnne whatever. 
I repeated my question, and the acceptance that I received 
was by and through the cook, which was uttered speedily — 
" Look out you don't catch cold in your head !" — bringing 
it out in the perfect "style" allotted to his race. I made no 
answer whatever. Srdl I was provoked and somewhat an- 
gry ; yet I remained calm and silent, hearing their cunning 
laughs, and also listeniiig to the black rascal's strain'', which 
he ushered forth alternately upon the jews-harp and fiddle. 
" I say, Rufus," cried one of the crew, "give us The girl I 
left behind we." Presently he commenced straining and 
straining upon his strings, striving to pitch the tune, and then 
begun — clinck. clinck, clinck, see-saw — "all ready." But 
just as he was endeavoring to see-saw for the third time, he 
instantly stopped his bow, and with a swarthy /oice addres- 
sed me. "You ax us where you am?" Yes, sir, I wish to 
know where 1 am wandering — cried I. "Well, sir, 'unac- 
customed to public speaking,' sir, I rise to tell you dat you're 
on de water;" and then as he commenced playing again, he 
asked one of his conte nporaries if " dat answer wad not lo- 
gic." I made no reply, bnt sat listening to the sentiments 
which they ushered forth, and of the hearty laughs they ex- 
hibited to the cook for his "expostulation." The fact was, 
they were aware that I had lost my position, occasioned by 
the heavy mass of fog, the elements which appeared several 
hours previous ; and they had been enthronged by it, and had 
wandered so far and then come to an anchor. Many repea- 



31 

ted observances were made by the crew, to wliom I replied, 

May God reward all of you lor your uukiud treatment 

your dastard and unmanly inhumanity towards a feUow-crea- 
ture — one who would do any thing ni his power to assist the 
needful, for the love of man. 1 sat down benumbed with 
tender tears, imploring that they might receive their just re- 
ward for their indecorous treatment. 

We parteH, and when far distant I could hear just the faint 
sound of see-saw, see-saw. At last I arose ; I saw a ray of 
light far in the east. It grew powerful. It wns gkirious. It 
"looked like the building of a wall, garnished unto clear 
glass." In time I perceived that the fog began to rise ; as I 
watched with intense anxiety lor it to become remote, that 
I might behold my situation ; that I might know whether I 
was far beyond the headlands, or doubling some point of 
laud ; \vhen to my surprise, what should I hear but the dis- 
tant, faint echo of a Town-Clock, striking midnight's silent 
hour, which instantly ccnfunied my belief that it must be 
that of Stonmgton. 

Encouragement somewliat seemed to dictate me with an 
inclination to realize even the waves of the sea; the si'diinf 
wii;ds of nature, and of nature's charms. The fog c^urled 
quickly to the sl^ — fast departing — when in time I had the 
profound pleasure of beholding, and viewing with that ad- 
monition my condition. Where was old "Rough and Rea- 
dy ?■' Not he 

Whoso locks Jiave been bleached in the many battles of the earth, 
For those equal rigiits of man, the blessings of our birth. 

Not he, I mean, who mounts the old white horse with brown 
surtout ; but rather the dipping sail-boat honored by that 
name. She with her "brave commander," who had expla- 
terated and addressed rising of one hundred Porpoises; 
who had awed into silence the hungry shark, and the terrible 
avenger with his sword; hissed the saucy gull when amid 
the heavy mass of fog ; imagining that he was addressing the 
many eminent societies of the country, upon the "arm" of 
freedom ; the virtue of national honor and national charac- 
ter. God forbid that I should be charged of enjoyiui? socie- 
ty, while placed under such circumstances of the present na- 
ture — a i)recarious and timorous situation. 



83 

But to return. Where was I? About midway between 
Fisher's and Bradford's Island^where 1 quickly composed 
my thoughts, recalled to mind the recollections of ihe p^.st, 
drowned^ uiianimated sorrow, pushed forth for Bradford's 
Island, (as you will observe in the plate,) where I found a 
sumptuous 'resort ; a table decked with the abundant stores of 
man. Returned hooie the following day— eased the chords 
of distress— sought the rural shades of repose— biddnig good 
"luck" to Siiubson, for the knot he had tied for me to un- 
loose-^langhed at the '• Valedictory Address" to an absent 
friend— and like the pilgrim of old, gave three leaps for joy, 
as reflections led me to recall that dismal uight, and to mur. 
niur — 

" O, I hive passed a miserable nijr'it, 
So full of ugly sights, of ghostly dreams, 
I would not spend another sucii a night, 
Thouirh 't were to buy a " orld of happy days : 
So full of dismal terror was tlje time. 
O, then methonght, what pain it was to drown ! 
What dreadful noise of waters in my ears! 
What sights of ugly death within mine eyes! 
Methought I saw a thousand fearful things— 
A thousand men, that fishes gnawed up|n ; 
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, 
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels ; 
All scattered in the bottom of the sea." 

And after reacbing the parental hearth of the domestic cir- 
cle placed upon my daily journal that which was best known 
to myself, when perused by the eye of the natural observer. 

«' Ab uno disce omnes." 
" From this single instance you may learn the nature of 
the whole." 

"Nunquam iterum ibo." 

"I will never go again." 
And now, from day to day, many a smile is shed— and 
when the elements of fog appear, from time to tune, there is 
nothing which touches the heart-strings so forcibly as the 
truth, the nnderslauding of 

"Non, non, nunquam iterum ibo." 

"No, no, I WILL KEVER go again." 

Westkrlt, 1847. P J) « 9 5. 



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